In the broad debate on climate change, the Australian horticulture industry is a small contributor of carbon dioxide emissions, representing just 1% of national agriculture emissions (National Greenhouse Gas Inventory 2007). However, while fertilisers are seen as the only source of emissions from horticulture in the national inventory, there are other direct and indirect emissions from horticulture, such as fuel and electricity. While net CO2 emissions are small, existing and future climate change policies place little importance on horticulture and particularly the protected cropping industry, which is a consumer of carbon dioxide to improve crop quality and yields. Read More »

I have read the article on mint in your Issue 132. I am also trying to grow mint in hydroponics in India. Would you please guide me in a few things:

• What is water pH and TDS levels? 
• What is the temperature to be maintained in the greenhouse?
• What is the pest control method used? 
• What nutrients are used?

Answer by RICK DONNAN

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Carbon dioxide options for commercial greenhouses

The changing landscape of fossil fuels presents increasing business risks for Australian domestic industrial and commercial energy consumers. Rising costs and uncertain supply of natural gas (1) and the existing high price of Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) represent a significant portion of this risk. Adding complexity to this changing landscape is mounting international pressure on Australian policy makers to replace fossil-fuelled energy with renewable alternatives. Horticulturists use natural gas and LPG for greenhouse environment management and as a result are left exposed to an uncertain future.

By IAN GESCH Read More »

To better understand current use of pollination across the horticultural and agricultural sectors and help design research projects that address industry trends and needs, Plant & Food Research (NZ) is asking growers and beekeepers to share their current practices and their thoughts on future pollination requirements. Read More »

A new report published by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) shows that the number of small Australian vegetable farms has reduced by over 24% in the past 12 months. Read More »

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has instituted proceedings in the Federal Court against Woolworths Limited, alleging the supermarket giant engaged in unconscionable conduct in dealings with a large number of its supermarket suppliers, in contravention of the Australian Consumer Law.

Full story: Foodmagazine

Posted 11 December 2015

A new plan for the registration of labour hire firms, designed to stop exploitation of foreign workers by unscrupulous companies, has been laid out by peak vegetable industry body AUSVEG. Under the proposed scheme, labour hire firms would need to seek approval from the Departments of Employment and Immigration, the Australian Taxation Office, and the workplace safety body in their state before gaining accreditation as an approved firm and being placed on a public register. Read More »